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Favorite Things of 2012

Note: Not all of these things came out in 2012, but that’s when they came into my life (mostly).

Music

I collect a lot of music. Most of it ends up buried in the pile, to be reheard only if it finds grace with iTunes’ randomizer. Only occasionally do I connect enough with an album to actually listen to it repeatedly as an album. Here are a few from this year:

John Mayer Born and Raised – I didn’t realize I was a John Mayer fan since I have some bias against mainstream music. But then I discovered Walt Grace’s Submarine Test January 1967, which has become the anthem for my middle agedness. Here’s a YouTube clip of me trying to cover this great tune.

Laura Hillenbrand Unbroken – Ok, I listened to this audiobook in 2011, but I thought about it more than I did most 2012 reads/listens. I still remember where I was on my daily walk when certain scenes took place. I don’t normally feel much strong emotion when I read but this one had me furious, amazed, anxious, and even overjoyed at times.

Patrick Rothfuss The Name of the Wind – I’m a slow reader. I usually have a pile of books next to my bed, deciding each night which looks interesting. Rarely do I read 100 pages in one sitting. But this book made me break my routine.

Day One – Best journal software I’ve ever tried. I used it every day. On an iPhone you can dictate your entry, add a photo from Camera+ or your iPhone photos. It automatically stores your location and the current weather, if you want.